TOPEKA, Kansas — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the first-degree murder and assault convictions of a man prosecutors say was involved in a fatal Wichita shooting in 2009.

The court upheld Michael Reed's convictions on Friday for the death of 33-year-old Vincent "Vinny" Barnes. Reed had asserted that jurors should have never heard the victim's last words, which authorities say linked Reed to the killing.

Reed was given a life sentence.

According to authorities, Reed, along with his brother Robert and another man, were celebrating Robert's bachelor party when the Michael attempted to contact Barnes to buy cocaine. Police say the three men went to Barnes' apartment after he hung up on them and refused to take any more of their calls.